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Stress is so common that many people think it’s normal for an
entrepreneur to experience it on a daily basis, but constant
stress is not sustainable. Working with a coach to create
maintainable systems and proactively handle business requirements
can help transform your business into a stress-occasionally
environment.

In my last
article, I introduced the four entrepreneurial brain types
and explained the distinct blind spots and information needs
associated with each one. Now I’d like to focus specifically on
how each type can best deal with stress.

Managers + Controllers minimize stress by
staying in control, because their biggest fear is losing control.
When they’re stressed, they tend to become autocratic, seizing
authority from others too forcefully.

The best way to manage stress is to know what needs to happen and
when it needs to happen. Ask yourself, “Why am I feeling out of
control and what can I do to regain control?”

When you take control from others, be sure to communicate why.
(“I’ve got a suggestion that will help us get back on track
quickly.” Or, “I know I asked you to do this, but I’m worried
about the amount of tasks you have currently, so I’ll handle it
to help you and save time.”) Also, be mindful of keeping others
in the loop by explaining what you’d like them to do to help get
things in order and reduce stress.

Innovators + Influencers typically work on
multiple tasks simultaneously and often procrastinate.
Procrastination results in self-induced stress which motivates us
to “save the day” by creating a situation that needs a dramatic
“rescue.” The biggest fear for Innovators + Influencers is losing
respect, so they’ll often muscle through heroic acts to impress
clients, but burn themselves out in the process.

To manage stress, create a framework by jotting down your
anticipated process at the outset of a project. Then, imagine
what the successful completion looks like. Reference this start
and endpoint to help you work backwards and use time wisely. This
won’t prevent you from procrastinating or playing the hero --
that’s part of your working style -- but often, procrastination
serves as a pacing technique to prevent burnout before the end of
a project.

During prolonged tasks, engage in activities that allow you to
blow off steam rather than trying to force yourself to focus
continuously.

Nurturers + Harmonizers try to soothe stress by
taking on responsibilities and calming the nerves of those around
them. The biggest fear for this group is being excluded, so
they’ll take on too much work or try to rescue others from
stress, just to stay involved. This often leads to feeling
overwhelmed and under-appreciated.

To keep your cool and manage your stress level, ask if offering
to help will actually benefit the people around you. If you’re
working with someone who is constantly stressed because they are
disorganized, taking a few things off their plate probably won’t
help, or only temporarily.

Instead, offer to help them get organized or figure out why
they’re constantly stressed. Be sure to find time for yourself.
By focusing so intensely on others, it’s common to ignore your
own needs, which can lead to burnout.

Systemizers + Analyzers tend to do thorough
work, think through all of the options available, and anticipate
problems so that they can eliminate stress completely. Their
biggest fear is being wrong. When under stress, they tend to
avoid communication because it causes them anxiety, which makes
them lose focus.

To manage stress, adjust your work and environment to meet
deadlines and minimize interruptions. Sometimes stress can’t be
avoided, so find a safe outlet for aggression when you are pushed
to the limit. Be sure to ask for more time if you think you need
it, well before any deadline approaches.

We all get stressed, but each brain type experiences and manages
stress differently. Learn what triggers your brain and how to
minimize your stress to improve productivity and enhance
relationships with your co-workers.